National building on record achievements in health

As part of National’s commitment to deliver better public services while responsibly managing the Government’s finances we announced a $101 million boost in funding for surgery and cancer services this week.

We are investing $48 million to further increase record numbers of elective operations by at least 4000 a year. We are also investing in faster services for cancer patients and reduced wait times for MRI scans, CT scans, and other important diagnostic tests. 

To help meet cost pressures and fund new initiatives the Government will increase prescription charges from $3 to $5.  This is the first increase in 20 years, and no person or family will pay more than an extra $40 a year for their prescription items. 

For more information, visit:

http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38486

http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38485

Improving the lives of people with disabilities

National is committed to helping disabled people achieve greater independence and lead better lives in their communities.  This week we announced $144 million in initiatives for disabled people. 

These initiatives include $54.7 million over four years for more home and community support, ensuring more people with disabilities get the care they need within the community, rather than having to enter residential care.

We are also boosting funding for cochlear implants, supports like hearing aids and wheelchair access, and ensuring that residential support is available for those who need it. 

National has modernised disability support and has given disabled people much greater say on how their funding is used.  There are now 1300 disabled people who can choose how, what, and who supports them.

For more information, click here. 

Canterbury recovery on track

Supporting the rebuild of Christchurch is one of National’s four priorities for this term.

The Government will have spent $2.45 billion of the $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund this financial year on important rebuild and recovery initiatives in the region.

We expect to spend another $2.17 billion in the coming financial year from the fund as the repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure – drinking water, waste water, storm water, and roads – ramps up.

We’re building new infrastructure to support the growth of greater Christchurch, including services for 1400 sections in Halswell which had the consent process fast-tracked. So far, 150 sections have been sold and house construction will begin in July.

For more information, click here. 

More than 150,000 homes warmer and drier

This week marked the 150,000th home to be insulated under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme. 

Heat Smart is making a real difference – about 450,000 New Zealanders are living warmer and healthier lives.  The programme helps fund ceiling and underfloor insulation in homes built before 2000.

Insulated homes are easier to heat and keep at healthy temperatures.  Healthy temperatures mean fewer doctors’ visits and less time off work and school. 

Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities and helping New Zealanders to be warmer and healthier in their own homes is a vital part of this.

For more information, click here.

Welfare investment to reduce long-term dependency

National is allocating $287.5 million over the next four years for the first phase of the Government’s welfare reforms. Providing this up-front investment will support young New Zealanders off welfare and into work, helping to save taxpayers $1 billion over the next four years.

National’s reforms are focused firmly on reducing the long-term social and financial costs of welfare dependency. This will help to build a more productive economy.

We’ve made a commitment to provide investment to ensure that fewer people are on welfare long-term. This spending is focused youth services, which includes intensive case management and individual wrap-around support. We’ve got to ensure these young people, are in education, training, or work-based learning, so they can build brighter futures.

For more information, click here.

Stronger bail laws to protect communities

New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. National’s bill to strengthen bail laws and improve public safety has now had its first reading in Parliament.

The Bail Amendment Bill makes it harder for people accused of serious crimes to get bail, and improves the integrity and operational effectiveness of our bail system.

The bill achieves the right balance between the public’s right to safety, and the right of alleged offenders to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

National is building a safer New Zealand by delivering better public services to protect our communities, and put victims at the heart of our justice system.

For more information, click here.

$60 million saved with mobile service contracts

National expects the government to save about $60 million over the next five years after signing all-of-government procurement contracts for mobile, voice, and data services. These contracts cover all voice minutes and data used on mobile phones held by government employees.

The new contracts are part of our ongoing procurement reform programme, which is making government buying as efficient as possible and reducing cost. The programme includes all public sector agencies, councils, and up to 2500 schools.

The latest contracts mean we are on track to achieve a total saving to the Government and taxpayers of $350 million.

Each dollar saved can be reinvested in improving public services and essential infrastructure in order to help grow the economy.

For more information, click here.